April marks Alcohol Awareness Month—a powerful opportunity for families to open the door to conversations that can shape a child’s future.

This year, the message carries even more weight. In a recent U.S. Surgeon General’s health advisory, a direct link between alcohol use and cancer was confirmed. Even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. It’s a wake-up call for all of us—especially parents.

While many think underage drinking is a “rite of passage,” it’s far more dangerous than once believed. Kids who start drinking early not only increase their risk of addiction but may also be setting the stage for long-term health consequences. The earlier the exposure, the greater the risk—both for substance misuse and now, as we’ve learned, cancer.

At Informed Families, we believe prevention starts at home. Talking to your kids early and often about the risks of alcohol—and setting clear boundaries—makes a real difference.

This Alcohol Awareness Month, I urge families to use this time to get informed and stay engaged. Your words matter. Your influence matters. And together, we can raise healthier, safer kids.

Read more about the Surgeon General’s advisory here:
👉 A New U.S. Surgeon General’s Health Advisory Links Alcohol, Cancer Risk

Peggy B. Sapp
President & CEO, Informed Families